Bangaloreans were treated to a session of healthy cooking recently. Macrobiotics counsellor, chef, instructor and author of 'The Beauty Diet', Shonali Sabherwal, demonstrated a macrobiotic menu comprising silken 'tofu mayonnaise', 'brown rice croquettes' and fruit ice-cream.
It was Shonali's father's cancerous condition that prompted her to switch to a macrobiotic menu. The menu doesn't advocate one to give up anything but prescribes a perfect balance in diet. Shonali says, "The food that you eat cleanses your blood condition, detoxifies the body and strengthens immunity. You don't have to give up what you like but any person wishing to take to macrobiotic way of cooking must learn to layer their food."
Whole grains, leafy greens and emphasis on good quality fermentation will help one maintain good health. "To stay healthy, people must knock off carbohydrates from the diet and add brown rice. Indians get stuck with rice, we must shake that off," she advises.
Shonali says one should use dairy products cautiously. "It's hard for Indians to give up dairy products, including milk. But you could always substitute dairy products with food consisting of less carbohydrates," she feels.
Shonali feels food should always be cooked on a low flame. "We Indians tend to cook on a high flame and are always in a hurry. We must let food cook in its own juices," she advocates.
Those who witnessed the event were treated to an assortment of health drinks including 'mango basil smoothies', 'chilled wheat grass', 'cucumber and mint shots' and 'Thyme-scented blood orange' and 'litchi ice'.
Those, who gathered at the event, weren't sure if what Shonali advocates would work on a regular basis. Indira Rao, a home-maker, says, "Though it's simple and easy to take, it has less sugar and less dairy products. Children always want their food to appear attractive. I wonder how it is possible to substitute whole grains."
Anu Chadha and Sushma M were impressed with Shonali's tips, "It's interesting but I don't think anybody will easily take to something like this unless they have some serious illness. It's hard for Indians to get into a disciplined diet," says Anu.